Buckinghamshire Council are looking for foster carers & adopters for children with additional needs
Often children with additional needs wait longer to be adopted.
The Council are holding a virtual event to let people know what it's like to give a safe and loving home to a child with additional needs.
The 'It Takes A Village II' event is happening tonight (25th February) and includes live music from professional charity band Electric Umbrella and expert speakers talking about fostering and adopting a child with additional needs.
Guests include Lisa, whose little boy has a range of medical and additional needs, and Jess, who's 22 and has grown up with foetal alcohol syndrome and continues to be supported as an adult by her foster carers Liz and Dave.
Often children with additional needs wait longer to be adopted.
One foster carer said she's been caring for a boy with autism since he was 2 - he's now 18!
She continued to explain that it's still about listening to the child and addressing their needs.
"Some of them like to take it slower, which gives them a chance to get to know me and me a chance to get to know them. It's like when you get to know anybody really, it's about building up that trust with them."
Tony Green is Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Youth Provision:
"If you've thought about fostering or adopting then please join us for It Takes a Village II. The evening will be an informal way to get a real insight into what it's really like to care for a child with additional needs, hearing from the very people themselves who have been through this experience. It is hard work, but the rewards are tremendous.
Like all children coming into our care, they have been through disruption and trauma and it can be especially challenging for them to express themselves. But like all children, what they need most is love, care, patience and understanding. I must underline too the fantastic range of support available for all people who foster or adopt with Buckinghamshire Council - that support carries on well after the process is complete and for as long as you need it.
It Takes a Village II is an opportunity to explore whether you could give a home to a child with additional needs so please come, find out more, and hear some great live music from the comfort of your own home!"
You can register to join the event starting at 7pm here or email Foster With Bucks.
To find out more about fostering and adopting with Buckinghamshire Council head to their website.